Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus useful for fluidizing small particulate solids having a diameter of less than about 50 microns in average particle size, and at least partially enveloping these small solids with a coating material or a precursor thereto. The basis apparatus of this invention includes a cross-current multi-stage fluid bed reactor having N fluid beds in flow communication with one another, wherein N.gtoreq.2.

Abstract: A fluidized bed heat exchanger and a method of controlling same in which a first chamber and plurality of additional chambers are formed in a housing. A particulate material is supported in all of the additional chambers and air is introduced to each of the additional chambers to fluidize the material. Particulate material is introduced into one of the chambers and the chambers communicate to permit the material to flow between the chambers. Heat is extracted from one or more of the other additional chambers and the material upon exceeding a predetermined height flows from the other additional chambers to the first chamber before discharging via the first chamber externally of the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of scrubbing acid gas from flue gas comprises slats which define a moving bed of scrubbing material which is capable of reacting with the acid gas to form reaction products on particles of the scrubbing material. Flue gas from a boiler or other sources of flue gas is passed through the moving bed of scrubbing material. The scrubbing material is sprayed with water to the saturation point for increasing the rate of reaction between the reaction gas on the scrubbing material. The scrubbing material leaving the bottom of the moving bed is subjected to a separation step which removes the reaction products as fine dust which is disgarded, and returns the now regenerated particles of scrubbing material to the top of the moving bed.

Abstract: A fluidized bed combustion system and method in which a recycle heat exchanger is located adjacent the furnace section of the combustion system. A mixture of flue gases and entrained particulate materials from a fluidized bed in the furnace section are separated and the flue gases are passed to a heat recovery section and the separated particulate material to the fluidized bed in the recycle heat exchanger. A first chamber and plurality of additional chambers are formed in the recycle heat exchanger. A particulate material is supported in all of the additional chambers and air is introduced to each of the additional chambers to fluidize the material. The separated particulate material from the fluidized bed in the furnace section is introduced into one of the chambers and the chambers communicate to permit the material to flow between the chambers.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for achieving turbulent or fast fluidized bed regeneration of spent FCC catalyst in a bubbling bed regenerator having a stripper mounted over the regenerator and a stripped catalyst standpipe within the regenerator. A coke combustor vessel, which may be partially or totally open to the dilute phase above the bubbling bed, is added to the existing regenerator vessel. Spent catalyst is discharged into the coke combustor, regenerated in a turbulent or fast fluidized bed, then discharged into the dilute phase region above the bubbling bed, either via a deflector or by simply overflowing the combustor. Regeneration of catalyst is completed in the bubbling dense bed, and/or an annular fast fluidized bed surrounding the coke combustor. Catalyst may be recycled from the dense bed to the coke combustor either by a flow line, or by adjusting relative heights of bubbling to fast fluidized bed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing catalyst from a distillation column reactor and replacing the catalyst with fresh or regenerated catalyst. More specifically a small particulate catalyst is supported by wire mesh or screen or filter medium on trays in a conventional distillation column and substantially submerged by the liquid on the trays. The vapor rising through the liquid tends to keep the catalyst in suspension in the liquid. A draw-off is provided for each tray having catalyst supported thereon whereby liquid containing the suspended or slurried catalyst can be removed to a separator during operation. The catalyst is separated, as in a settling tank separator, from the liquid recycled to the tray until all the catalyst has been removed. The separated catalyst is removed for either regeneration or discarding. Fresh catalyst can then be added to the separator where it is slurried into the liquid again being recirculated from the tray.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for hydrogenating a stream of hydrocarbons is provided. The pressure and temperature of the stream are elevated and the stream is passed through two or more serially connected hydrogenation reaction zones. While passing through the reaction zones hydrogen is dispersed in the stream and the stream is caused to flow along successive downward and upward paths. The reacted stream is cooled prior to reducing the pressure exerted thereon.

Abstract: A mechanism for the prevention of distributor plate pluggage by dust-laden gases in multistage fluidized-beds is disclosed. Slanted tubes are used to control the flow of gases into a fluidized bed, where the angle between the slanted tube and the distributor plate is less than the angle of repose of the bed solids.

Abstract: An improved fluidized catalytic cracking-catalyst regeneration process for catalytically cracking heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks is provided which comprises first and second, relatively lower and higher temperature, catalyst regeneration zones, wherein CO-rich effluent flue gas from the first regeneration zone is combusted in a CO-incinerator/combustor means to substantially convert all CO present therein to CO.sub.2. The effluent gas from the CO-incinerator/combustor is then combined with the effluent flue gas from the second regeneration zone, with the combined streams thereafter being sent to an expansion turbine-compressor means to recover the work energy therefrom and to provide at least all the compressed air requirements of the first and second regeneration zones, and preferably in addition the compressed air requirements of the CO-incinerator/combustion means.

Abstract: A method of carrying out a chemical reaction in a fluidized bed reactor is provided wherein the reactants include at least one finely sub-divided reactant having a particle size substantially smaller than that of the particles constituting the fluidized bed. The reactor includes a downcomer compartment and a riser compartment operated such that the fluidized bed particles circulate by moving down the downcomer compartment and up the riser compartment. The finely divided solid reactant is introduced, either as such, or in an agglomerated form, into the central or upper region of the fluidized bed in the downcomer compartment such that it becomes entrained in the downwardly moving fluidized bed in the downcomer compartment and moves countercurrent to the fluidizing gas towards the lower end of the riser compartment. The reaction products which may be, or include, fine divided solids are carried out of the top of the reactor from the riser compartment.

Abstract: Chlorine is produced by reacting hydrogen chloride and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst composed of a chromium oxide as a principal component. The reaction is carried out in a fluidized bed reactor equipped at vertical intervals not greater than 100 cm with a plurality of perforated horizontal plates having a perforation rate of 10-60% in a reaction zone in which the catalyst is fluidized in operation. The reaction zone is above a gas diffuser plate.

Abstract: Silicon nitride powder is prepared by continuously supplying metallic silicon powder to a first fluidized bed which is composed of silicon nitride powder and a non-oxidizing reaction gas containing nitrogen or ammonia gas and maintained at 1,000.degree. to 1,400.degree. C. where primary nitriding reaction takes place, and continuously withdrawing the nitride product from the first fluidized bed and supplying it to a second fluidized bed of similar composition where secondary nitriding reaction takes place for nitriding the unreacted metallic silicon powder.

Abstract: A catalytic cracking process and apparatus operates with multiple feed injection points to a riser reactor with several enlarged regions. An elutriable catalyst mixture is used, comprising a conventionally sized cracking catalyst and a faster settling, shape selective additive cracking catalyst. Straight run naphtha, and a light, H.sub.2 -rich aliphatic stream are added to the base of a riser reactor. A resid feed is added higher up in the riser, with a gas oil and recycled heavy cycle oil and naphtha streams added even higher up in the riser. The riser has an elutriating base, and an elutriating upper portion, which increase residence time of the shape selective zeolite additive relative to the conventionally sized cracking catalyst.

Abstract: A reactor system for increased production of olefinic gasoline incorporating the integration of olefins to gasoline conversion under moderate severity conditions in contact with medium pore catalyst with oxygenates to olefin conversion. The effluent product of the olefins to olefin conversion is passed to an olefins to gasoline and/or distillate (MOGD) conversion zone for olefin upgrading. Liquid recycle requirements, feed throughput and/or the number of MOGD fixed bed stages are reduced for the MOGD process and overall process costs are lowered. The process includes the use of common catalyst handling and regeneration steps for the integrated processes.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for transferring and regulating the recycle of particulate solids separated from a gas-particulate solids suspension in which an auxiliary vessel and slanted pipe are provided to transfer and regulate particulate solids flow.

Abstract: A fluid bed processing apparatus in which a series of individual fluid bed modules are arranged horizontally alongside each other in a linear or circular configuration with the bed material overflowing weirs between each module in moving from the feed stock input module to a discharge module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for producing polyolefins by a fluidized gas phase polymerization process utilizing two stacked, substantially vertically aligned, reactors and a substantially vertical product transfer line for transfer of intermediate polyolefin polymer product from the polymerization zone of the upper reactor to the polymerization zone of the lower reactor. This abstract shall not be construed to define or limit in any way the scope of the invention, which is measured solely by the appended claims.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor system for cracking heavy oil in a FCC vertical reactor with lift gas. Olefinic light cracking gas separated from the FCC effluent is upgraded in a catalytic reactor to increase gasoline production. Byproduct light paraffinic gas from the second reactor is recycled to the FCC reactor as lift gas.

Abstract: A succession of low profile catalyst chambers each housing a reservoir or catalyst are alternately connected in sequence by openings below the levels of the catalyst reservoirs and openings thereabove. The catalyst in all reservoirs is fluidized by a gas moving upwardly therethrough. Separate portions of the sequence of chambers are operated as reactor and regenerator sections according to the gas used to fluidize the catalyst in those sections. Other portions of the sequence of chambers are used to create inert atmospheric seals between the reactor and regenerator sections. The entire apparatus is configured as a low-profile catalytic cracker wherein the fluidized flow of the catalyst moves throughout the apparatus in an alternating lifting and dropping sequence.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for catalytic cracking in a reaction zone operated with a fluid or a moving bed is disclosed, wherein the charge is subjected to at least one pretreatment.According to the invention, at least a portion of said charge, as vapor 40, and at least a part of the catalyst particles 6, circulate at least in one enclosure 1, wherein at least said portion of charge, on the one hand, and said solid particles (of low catalytic activity), distinct from the catalyst particles, on the other hand, are contacted, said solid particles and said charge flowing, as a whole, in the same direction, either downwardly or upwardly in said enclosure 1, at a temperature substantially equal to the temperature prevailing at the inlet of the reaction zone. After stirring of the solid particles with the charge, the latter, free of the major part of the residual products, is separated at 27 from the solid particles and fed with the catalyst particles to the reaction zone 8.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a bioreactor for the biochemical treatment of liquids containing organic matter. It comprises a container with an inlet for receiving liquid to be treated with at least one horizontal plate to support a bed of microorganism cells which react with the organic matter to form a volatile gas. An aperture is provided in the plate to provide liquid flow communication between upper and lower compartments on either sides of the plate. A blockage element extends over the aperture to prevent the liquid and the microorganism cells from returning through the aperture to the lower compartment. An outlet is provided for releasing the gas from the container while a further outlet is used for releasing treated liquid.

Abstract: A succession of low profile catalyst chambers each housing a reservoir of catalyst are alternately connected in sequence by openings below the levels of the catalyst reservoirs and openings thereabove. The catalyst in all reservoirs is fluidized by a gas moving upwardly therethrough. Separate portions of the sequence of chambers are operated as reactor and regenerator sections according to the gas used to fluidize the catalyst in those sections. Other portions of the sequence of chambers are used to create inert atmospheric seals between the reactor and regenerator sections. The entire apparatus is configured as a low-profile catalytic cracker wherein the fluidized flow of the catalyst moves throughout the apparatus in an alternating lifting and dropping sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for degassing and converting into pellets polyolefins from a gas-phase reactor.A device according to the invention comprises, in combination (FIG. 1):a reactor (1) for the catalytic polymerization in the gas phase of alpha-olefins, equipped with a polyolefin outlet (9);A device (12) for primary degassing by separation of the solid and gas phases, connected to the said outlet;A device for secondary degassing (14) to substantially free the particles of the gases accompanying them and which is connected to the outlet of the primary degassing (12) and which comprises a mechanical stirrer (14a) making it possible to raise the temperature of the particles to a temperature close to the minimum sintering temperature by conversion of the mechanical energy into heat;and a device (15) for pelleting the particles by extrusion through a die, this device being connected to the outlet of the said secondary degassing device.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the heat treatment of gypsum or like heat material, in which the material is heated in a vessel by indirect heat exchange with hot gas produced by the fluidized combustion of a fuel, material is fed into a first fluidized bed of the material. Partially treated material is removed from the lower region of the first bed and introduced with the assistance of compressed air into the upper region of a second fluidized bed. Treated material is removed from the second bed. The beds of material are both fluidized by means of the introduction of the hot gas product of the fluidized combustion bed, further heating the beds. The first bed may be operated at a lower temperature than the second bed, although both beds may receive substantially the same heat input.

Abstract: A multi-stage catalytic olefin upgrading reactor system for converting lower olefinic feedstock to heavier liquid hydrocarbon product.

Abstract: A process for economically converting carbo-metallic oils to lighter products. The carbo-metallic oils contain 650.degree. F.+ material which is characterized by a carbon residue on pyrolysis of at least about 1 and a Nickel Equivalents of heavy metals content of at least about 4 parts per million. This process comprises flowing the carbo-metallic oil together with particulate cracking catalyst through a progressive flow type reactor having an elongated reaction chamber, which is at least in part vertical or inclined, for a predetermined vapor riser residence time in the range of about 0.5 to about 10 seconds, at a temperature of about 900.degree. to about 1400.degree. F., and under a pressure of about 10 to about 50 pounds per square inch absolute sufficient for causing a conversion per pass in the range of about 40% to 90% while producing coke in amounts in the range of about 6 to about 14% by weight based on fresh feed, and laying down coke on the catalyst in amounts in the range of about 0.

Abstract: Apparatus for regenerating zeolite-type catalyst used in fixed bed hydrocarbon conversion processes, such as the conversion of olefins to gasoline and diesel fuel. Regeneration is achieved using a portion of a flue gas stream to regenerate catalyst and preheat feedstock. Economies in equipment and operation are realized by employing a once-through configuration for the regenerator gas stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor for the conversion of methane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons comprising an annular reaction zone with ceramic baffles positioned therein perpendicular to the flow of the mixture of gas and fluidized solid catalyst, the baffles having openings adapted to permit passage of the gas-solid mixture therethrough essentially only in the overall direction of flow from inlet to outlet.

Abstract: A multistage process for reducing NO.sub.x in flue gas from fluid catalytic cracking catalyst regeneration. flue gas is preferably removed after each stage. A portion of NO.sub.x formed in an upstream portion of first and second regeneration stages is converted to N.sub.2, prior to discharge from the first and second stages, respectively, by operating downstream ends of the respective first and second stages at oxygen-lean conditions. The present invention also may provide staged regeneration, to reduce NO.sub.x in flue gas, by passing spent catalyst through a transport reactor in plug type flow and sequentially contacting the catalyst with a plurality of oxygen-containing streams.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for catalytic conversion of oils. A furnace heats a feedstock which is provided to a separator for separation of the feedstock into a gas vapor phase and a liquid phase. The liquid phase is provided under pressure to a venturi nozzle which atomizes the liquid oil. The atomized oil and the gas are each provided to a reactor such as the lower end of a riser reactor in a fluid catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: A multistage reactor system and operating technique for converting ethene-rich olefinic feedstock to heavier hydrocarbons, particularly gasoline and distillate range products. By employing low temperature and high temperature separators, an economic recycle is provided for each stage.

Abstract: A fluid bed combustor comprising a generally rectangular housing defining a freeboard space. A plurality of vertically spaced and horizontally staggered beds are provided in the housing and extend inwardly into the space from a rear wall and from a front wall of the housing. A serpentine flue gas path is defined between the staggered beds. Each bed is supplied with combustion air and fluidizable fuel with the freeboard space of each bed including gases from that bed plus gases from all previous beds in the flue gas path. In this way an increased residence time is established without substantially increasing the dimensions of the combustor. A simplified recycle system can also be provided since materials from each bed cascade down into a lower bed so that all materials are eventually accumulated in the lowest beds from which they can be removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for immediately and intimately mixing a fluidizable cracking catalyst with a fluid hydrocarbon in a riser reactor. The process involves passing the hydrocarbon through a stationary fluid feedstock feed means in fixed relationship with the upstream end of the riser. The feedstock is atomized by a nozzle attached to the downstream end of the feed means. A hollow plug valve positioned concentrically around the feed means is capable of moving in a reciprocating fashion to permit the flow of catalyst to the riser.

Abstract: A process for producing non-oxide compounds such as silicon nitride and silicon carbide by using a multi-stage apparatus constructed of a raw material drier section, a reactor section including a multiplicity of reaction vessels, and a non-oxidizing gas feeder section, is disclosed. The sections are arranged serially in the vertical direction. Raw materials are reacted with one another while fluidizing or bubbling by a hot non-oxidizing gas (argon or nitrogen) occurs in the raw material drier section and reaction vessels.

Abstract: A multistage process and apparatus for regenerating fluid catalytic cracking catalyst is disclosed. Each stage preferably has a successively higher temperature, and flue gas is removed after each stage. The process may regenerate a single phase catalyst or, preferably, a dual phase catalyst system, wherein an intermediate pore zeolite catalyst contained within a less elutriatable catalyst particle and a larger pore zeolite catalyst contained within a more elutriatable catalyst particle, thereby separating the intermediate pore zeolite catalysts from the larger pore zeolite catalysts prior to a final regeneration step.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for gasifying carbonaceous material in a circulating fluidized bed reactor having a lower reactor chamber and an upper reactor chamber interconnected by a throttled throat portion. Carbonaceous material is supplied to a first fluidized bed gasification zone maintained in the lower chamber and is gasified there by a gasifying agent and recycled hot particles separated from the product gas. The effluent from the first gasification zone is passed upwardly through the throttled throat portion to a second fluidized bed gasification zone of the spouting-bed type maintained in the upper chamber to complete gasification of unconverted carbon remaining in the particles entrained in the gaseous effluent from the first zone at a higher temperature than that of the first zone.

Abstract: This invention discloses an integral hydrocarbon conversion apparatus having a downflow hydrocarbon reactor, an upflow riser regenerator and a horizontal cyclone separator to permit the conversion of hydrocarbonaceous materials to hydrocarbonaceous products of lower molecular weight in a near zero pressure drop environment. A leg seal is provided surmounted to the downflow reactor to insure that the pressure is at least 0.5 psi higher than the upper portion of the downflow reactor (higher than the loop seal valve) vis-a-vis the pressure in the lower portion of the downflow reactor.

Abstract: A device for the gasification of waste, particularly light waste, is comprised of a reactor having a single fluidized bed including two concentric chambers communicating at the top and bottom wherein the outer chamber is intended to implement the pyrolysis of supplied waste and the inner chamber is intended to implement the combustion of pyrolyzed materials. A circulation of pyrolysis gas and combustion gas is established between the outer chamber and the inner chamber.

Abstract: Tendrillar carbonaceous material is used as a fluidization aid for fluidized beds. The tendrillar carbonaceous material can be used to fluidized cohesive solids. Further, it can be used to improve fluidization of particulate solids by reducing entrainment, eliminating bubbling, and/or eliminating channelling. The tendrillar carbonaceous material can be a fibrous, particulate carbonaceous material comprising carbon fibers and a ferrous group metal component dispersed throughout the carbon fibers as nodules. The tendrillar carbonaceous material has a bulk density of from about 0.01 to about 0.7 g/cm.sup.3 and comprises an agglomeration of tendrils having a diameter of from about 0.01 to about 1 micron and a length to diameter ratio of from about 5:1 to about 1000:1.

Abstract: A multiple hearth apparatus and process for the thermal treatment of organic carbonaceous materials under controlled pressure and temperature comprising a pressure vessel containing a plurality of superimposed annular hearths including hearths in a reaction zone of the apparatus which are formed with a foraminous upper surface disposed in communication with a plenum for injecting a heated fluid into heat exchange contact with the feed material disposed thereon. The injected heating fluid or gas in further combination with the volatile gases evolved during the thermal restructuring reaction pass countercurrently relative to the travel of the feed material to effect a preheating thereof to a moderate temperature in a preheating zone of the apparatus. Preferably, at least a portion of the volatile gases from the apparatus are treated to remove condensible portions thereof and are reheated and pressurized for recycle to the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plug valve which effects the immediate and intimate mixing of fluidizable cracking catalyst with a fluid hydrocarbon in a riser reactor. Further, a stationary guide tube is located around a portion of the plug valve stem so as to define an upper and a lower annular compartment which are separated by a bushing. Bushings also define the upper end of the upper compartment and the lower end of the lower compartment. Each of the annular compartments has a bleed medium conduit connected thereto.

Abstract: A catalytic converter in which exhaust gases to be treated are introduced into a housing containing a catalytic material. Air is introduced into the lower portion of the housing to fluidize the catalytic material and promote the reaction between the material and the exhaust gases to remove poisonous elements such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides from the gases.

Abstract: A process for preventing backmixing in a fluidized bed vessel wherein a gaseous fluid phase and fluidized solids are moved co-currently through a plurality of fluid bed compartments in substantially plug flow. The vessel may be used for production of maleic anhydride.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting oxygenated feedstock, such as methanol, dimethyl ether or the like, to liquid hydrocarbons. In the primary catalyst stage the feedstock is contacted with a fluidized zeolite catalyst to produce C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 olefins and C.sub.5.sup.+ hydrocarbons. In a secondary catalytic stage with oligomerization catalyst comprising medium-pore shape selective acidic zeolite at increased pressure converts C.sub.3.sup.+ olefins to gasoline and/or distillate liquids. A portion of the recovered gasoline stream is recycled to the fluidized bed at a point above the bed stratum corresponding to substantially complete oxygenate conversion.

Abstract: A multibed fluidized boiler having at least two fluidizable beds, in which conventional fuel, for example coal, is supplied to the first bed and in which the combustion of this fuel takes place in the first bed and in the following bed. An alternative fuel, such as wood chips, waste wood or paper, or combustible refuse, is adapted to be supplied to the second bed in order to be burnt there, thus obtaining a simplified fuel feeding to the second bed and increased protection against clogging of the nozzles for the supply of gas from the first bed to the second bed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the multi-stage refining of organic bulk materials according to the fluidized bed principle comprising a plurality of horizontally aligned cells (23) including an upper drying chamber (1), a middle degasification chamber (2) and a lower refining chamber (3) separated from each other by an individual gas permeable floor (19) or a gas impermeable floor (20). Adjacent cells are connected to each other by common discharge/charge chutes having vertical separation walls extending therein.

Abstract: A multiple hearth reactor apparatus and process for the thermal treatment of organic carbonaceous materials under controlled pressure and temperature comprising in accordance with one embodiment, a pressure vessel containing a plurality of superimposed annular hearths including a series of upper hearths defining a preheating zone and a series of lower hearths spaced therebelow defining a reaction zone. The reactor is provided with an inlet for introducing a moist carbonaceous feed material under pressure into the preheat zone and the feed material is transferred downwardly in a cascading manner through the preheat zone and reaction zone. The solid product is extracted from the lower portion of the apparatus while waste water and product gas are extracted from the preheat zone. The hot gases are passed in countercurrent fashion to effect a preheating of the feed material.

Abstract: A hydrotreating reactor having a plurality of vertically spaced contacting stages having frusto-conical baffles for back-mixing hydrocarbon oil being treated and a plurality of clear oil outlets in fluid communication with a corresponding plurality of annular stilling chambers.

Abstract: A boiler plant with a multi-fluidized-bed combustion chamber comprising a first bed in a lower combustion space and a second bed in an upper combustion space and with nozzles in the support means for the beds for injection of combustion air into the first bed and combustion gases into the second bed for fluidization of the bed material therein. The plant is equipped with bed material transport devices for transferring bed material from the lower combustion chamber to the upper combustion chamber or vice versa. Further, measuring means is provided for measuring the temperature and depth of the lower bed, and signal processing and control means are provided for adapting the depth of the lower bed in dependence on plant load and bed temperature.

Abstract: A nozzle cap for a gas inlet fluidizing nozzle in the bottom plate of a post-combustion bed in a hot water or steam boiler with at least two fluidized beds is provided. Flue gases from an underlying combustion bed enter the post-combustion bed via a plurality of such gas inlet nozzles. Each nozzle cap is formed as a deflecting member for guiding the flue gases to the bed material and is shaped to minimize the risk of clogging of the cap with particles entrained in the flue gases and the risk of the cap being eroded by the fastly moving particles.